HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes City Council - 03/15/1994 - SpecialI HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Minutes
of the Special Council Meeting of the City of Corpus Christi of March 15, 1994, which
were approved by the City Council on March 29, 1994.
WITNESSETH MY HAND AND SEAL, this 1st day of April, 1994.
Armando Chapa
City Secretary
SEAL
MICROFILMED
MINUTES
CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS
Special Council Meeting
Bayfront Convention Center Auditorium
1901 N. Shoreline
March 15, 1994
6:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Mayor Mary Rhodes
Mayor Pro Tem McNichols
Council Members:
Cezar Galindo
Betty Jean Longoria
Edward Martin
Clif Moss
David Noyola
ABSENT
Jack Best
Melody Cooper
City Manager Juan Garza
City Attorney James R. Bray, Jr.
City Secretary Armando Chapa
Mayor Rhodes called the meeting to order at the Bayfront Convention Center
Auditorium.
Mayor Rhodes outlined the agenda of the night's meeting. She expressed
appreciation to the staff of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission for their
presence and explained the procedures by which citizens could address the Council and
obtain answers to written inquiries.
************
Mayor Rhodes introduced Mr. Hugo Berlanga, State Representative, present at the
meeting. Mr. Berlanga expressed appreciation to the governmental entities and the
citizens present. He commented favorably on the development of a buffer zone
surrounding the local refineries and unfavorably on the low citizen participation in the
recent survey conducted by the Texas Department of Health. He stressed the importance
of the Port Industry to the community and requested cooperation from all parties for
obtainment of a resolution. He expressed concern that Amerada Hess was unwilling to
continue participation in the current negotiations concerning the issue.
Special Co dl Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 2
Next, Mayor Rhodes introduced Mr. Vic Hines, representative of Senator Carlos
Truan. Mr. Hines expressed Senator Truan's regret for not being able to attend the
meeting. Speaking on behalf of Senator Truan, Mr. Hines stressed the importance of the
petrochemical industry to the community as well as the growth of the refineries. He also
stated that industrial accidents would continue to occur exposing local residents to
dangers and exposing refineries to liabilities. He further commented favorably on the
creation of a buffer zone through the refineries' purchase of the surrounding properties.
He lastly stated that the City may have a role in relocating citizens, but by no means,
should the relocation be the sole responsibility of the City.
Mayor Rhodes invited Chairman John Hall and staff to proceed with the
presentation by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC).
Mr. Hall expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share some facts and
findings concerning the industrial complex. He stated that these involved reports on air,
groundwater, soil, and subsequent steps for correction. He also discussed the
groundwater contamination existing in the Oak Park neighborhood and the enforcement
actions initiated by the TNRCC consistent with the regulations and laws.
Mr. Hall discussed decreased property tax evaluations in the Oak Park
neighborhood and the request to TNRCC to persuade the purchase of the surrounding
properties by the local industries. He stated that TNRCC did not possess the authority
to force a company to purchase contaminated properties outright or as a part of assessed
penalties. He further stated that TNRCC was limited to the identification of pollution and
determination of the source. He also stated that TNRCC possessed the authority to
assure appropriate clean-up of pollutants in order to protect human health and the
environment. He also stated that the TNRCC assessed financial penalties consistent with
State law and takes every reasonable and prudent step to cause a proper resolution.
Mr. Hall proceeded to discuss past meetings concerning a limited buyout by the
local refineries for the establishment of a buffer zone, particularly in the Oak Park area.
He stated that a plan could not be developed to which all companies agreed and
discussed the offers made by specific refineries. He commended CITGO Refining,
OxyChem, Southwestern Refining, and Coastal Refining and Marketing for their initiatives.
He stated that a successful resolution would require the participation of additional
companies, particularly Amerada Hess. He expressed concern about the groundwater
contamination issue and air emissions from the industrial facilities. He also discussed
nonattainment air quality communities in other Texas cities and stressed the importance
of a clean environment.
Next, Mr. Hall introduced Mr. Ken Ramirez, Deputy Executive Director for Legal
and Regulatory Services of the TNRCC, who would discuss the enforcement actions
pending before the TNRCC.
Special Co. „il Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 3
Mr. Ramirez briefly outlined TNRCC's procedures concerning contaminations. He
next referred to the current and potential enforcement actions with Amerada Hess, Koch
Refining, Coastal Refining and Marketing, OxyChem, Southwestern Refining, and CITGO
Refining. Further, Mr. Ramirez recognized TNRCC's staff present at the day's meeting
who would address the actual environmental monitoring programs currently in progress
in the community as follows: Mr. Buddy Stanley, Regional Manager of the TNRCC, Mr.
Russell Lewis, Waste Program Manager of TNRCC, Mr. Charlie Speakerman, Air
Program Manager of TNRCC, and Ms. Maria Aponte -Pons, Toxicologist with Health
Effects Division. He also recognized Ms. Judy Henry, Director of the Health Studies
Program in the Bureau of Epidemiology at the Texas Department of Health (TDH), who
would speak at the day's meeting.
Mr. Stanley discussed the testing performed on soil samples acquired from the
residential areas immediately adjacent to the refineries. He stated that no major
problems were found and discussed an area in Dona Park which warranted further
investigation concerning the levels of lead.
Mr. Lewis presented a map depicting the areas in the community possessing
petroleum products in the groundwater. He discussed the common factors among the
contaminated areas and stated that to date the Oak Park area was the only neighborhood
determined to possess petroleum products under residential homes.
Mr. Hall gave a brief summary of the facts presented by Mr. Ramirez, Mr. Stanley,
and Mr. Lewis.
Mr. Speakerman discussed the different types of air monitoring systems and
displayed a map depicting the locations of the local systems. He further discussed the
results and corrections of the problems found in the areas near the industrial complex.
Ms. Aponte -Pons discussed the guidelines utilized by TNRCC to evaluate the air
toxicity and soil data pertaining to the Corpus Christi industrial area. She also pointed
out the locations and dates of the testings. Lastly, Ms. Aponte -Pons introduced Mr.
Alberto Tohme to present the review of the data.
Mr. Tohme discussed the chemicals detected by the air and soil monitoring
pointing out specific concerns about benzene, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide. He
explained that further investigation would be necessary.
Mayor Rhodes announced the presentation by the Texas Department of Health.
Ms. Henry spoke of Ms. Betty Atkins' inability to attend the meeting and stated that
she would present the information in Ms. Atkins' place. Ms. Henry expressed
appreciation to the entities and citizens present at the meeting and introduced Dr. Richard
Bocamp, Medical Consultant, Mr. Barry Wilson, Cancer Registry Division, and Ms.
Kathryn Evans, Health Assessment Program. Further, Ms. Henry stated that each
individual would be available for questioning after the program. Next, Ms. Henry outlined
Special Co. „AI Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 4
the questions and answers from the mail survey conducted in the Oak Park
neighborhood. Lastly, Ms. Henry displayed slides pertaining to a future health
assessment performed by the TDH in the industrial park area. She discussed various
areas in which the TDH would be available for assistance.
In summation, Mr. Hall referred to future investigations of air and soil in the
community and stated that the level of air pollution in the Corpus Christi area was below
the established health based standards. He further stated that the groundwater
contamination in the Oak Park homes was thirty feet below the surface and did not pose
an immediate threat to the residents. Mr. Hall reiterated that there was no contamination
of the drinking water in the community due to the industrial complex and stated that
overall the citizens were not at a risk because of the industrial complex. He also stated
that the TNRCC was advancing towards an appropriate cleanup of the present
contaminated areas for compliance with Federal and State laws and the creation of some
type of buffer zone immediate to the facilities, particularly in the Oak Park neighborhood.
Council Member Galindo inquired about the particular boundaries of the Oak Park
neighborhood which TNRCC would focus on. Mr. Hall replied that the boundaries would
be the north side of Interstate 37 which includes approximately 300 homes.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the audience.
Mr. David Neideffi, General Manager of Plant and Field Service Corporation,
general contractors for local refineries, discussed his company's recent move to the City
which provided employment for 150 people. He stated that the City was attractive to his
company because of the commitment to safety and stressed the importance of safety to
his company.
Mr. Dan Regouby, 1542 Melbourne, employed by a contractor working at the local
refineries, commented on his contributions to the City through his employment. He
expressed concern that expansions at the local refineries had been halted which would
have detrimental effects on his life and family.
Mr. Roy F. Nicholson Jr., 1213 Cenizo Avenue (Oak Park), requested responsible
parties to visit his neighborhood which is entitled "Bermuda Triangle" by the residents.
He stated that a large majority of the residents did not speak English and was unable to
respond to the recent surveys.
Mr. Mike Guillory, 5301 Javelina, Safety Manager at CITGO, stated that CITGO
had been recognized by the National Petroleum Refineries Association and American
Petroleum Institute as one of the best safety performers in multi -refinery corporations in
the United States. He also reviewed the safety awards received by the local refinery.
He further stated that according to statistics of the National Safety Council a person was
safer at a refinery than driving to work, living in their home, or on a vacation. He stressed
the importance of continued team work between the industries and the community.
Special Co. al Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 5
Mr. Dick Myers, 400 Mann St., Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Business
Round Table, explained that the objectives of his company includes promoting safety,
quality, and productivity in the work place. He commented highly on the commitment to
these standards in the local industries and the devotion to health, safety, and
environment. Lastly, he stressed the importance of the local industry to the City's
economy.
Mr. Troy Smith, Safety Manager with H B Zachry Company at CITGO Refinery,
P.O. Box 9516, stated that the personnel at the local refineries were committed to safety
and requested all parties to work together for the good of the community.
Mr. Robert C. Andrews, Jr., Vice President and Fire Chief at the Refinery Terminal
Company, 12050 UpRiver Road, stated that his company provides firefighting and
emergency response services to the Port and local industrial corporations. He stressed
his company's commitment to safety and rapid emergency response and discussed the
local industries' commitment to safety of their employees and the community.
Mr. Bob Cuvelier, Chairman of the ABC Merit Training Program Board of Directors,
13656 Teague #29, discussed the high attendance record of the training programs by the
local industries which displays their commitment to safety. He stressed the importance
of the local industries to the local economy and requested all parties to work together.
Mr. Jimmy Gilbert, 3930 Wickersham, Vice President of Bay Incorporated, stated
that the local industries place a large emphasis on work place safety and operational
excellence. He also spoke highly of the safety training provided at the refineries and
expressed concern that placing unreasonable demands on the local industrial community
would cause loss of local employment.
Mr. Michael Eggenberger, 914 St. Christopher, Bay Incorporated, commented on
the high standards of safety in the local refineries. He also discussed past detrimental
experiences his family encountered when strict regulations were placed on industry in the
State of Michigan.
Mr. Kevan Klubertanz, 766 W. Cornelia, Superintendent of Berry Fabricators,
stated that safety and employee health is the number one concern He further stated that
additional regulations on the refineries would have a damaging effect on their existence.
Mr. Roland Reyes, 4021 Wood River, Financial Accounting Supervisor at CITGO,
provided financial facts highlighting the economic impact of CITGO on the community.
Mr. Douglas Lanier, 15258 Main Royal, Chairman of the Industrial Contractors
Council, commented highly on the safety aspects of the refineries and the contributions
to the community made by the refineries.
Mr. Robert Broadway, 100 Cox Drive, employee at Valero Refinery, stressed the
importance of the refineries to the community.
Special Co. .;il Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 6
Mr. David Savage, 222 Doddridge, area manager for Nalco Chemical Company
and past employee of the Texas Water Commission, stated that the facts presented in
the previous presentations did not establish a real health problem thereby justifying the
refineries creating a buffer zone at their own expense.
Mr. Lee Brandon, 3025 Quail Springs, M-2, Operations Reliability Engineer for
CITGO, discussed his ancestor's association with refinery companies and stated that
there have been no injuries or fatalities of any nature during this time.
Mr. Patrick Ley, 402 Cecil, President of Associated Builders and Contractors,
Texas Coastal Bend Chapter, discussed the high level of safety in the refineries.
Mr. Wayne Serpa, 301 Cole Street, suggested the concerned parties visit with the
refineries for a resolution.
Mr. Christoper L. Nelson, United Way of the Coastal Bend, 2902 Leopard,
commented favorably on the benefits derived from the presence of the local refineries.
Mr. Phil Vrazel, 6617 Whitewing, Manager of Environmental Affairs at CITGO,
stated that CITGO was committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner
which meets and improves emission rights, promoting environmental training, and
providing the necessary resources to heighten environmental awareness. He also
discussed the monitoring tests regularly performed at CITGO.
Mr. Jimmie Till, 1265 Southern Minerals Road, stated that he resides near CITGO
and was not afraid of the activities at CITGO and, further, felt safe in his environment.
He stated that CITGO is a good neighbor and that he supported the continuance of the
local refineries.
Mr. Robert Parker, P.O. Box 9609, Chairman of the Contractor Safety Council at
REPCON INC., discussed the high level of training provided by his company to the local
refineries. He stated that safety for their employees and the community was a high
priority.
Ms. Diane Bennett, 2225 Turnberry, League City, Texas 77573, District Sales
Manager for Nalco Chemical Company, stressed the importance of the local refineries to
the community. She commended the City for being an air quality community, as
referenced by Mr. John Hall in his presentation, and congratulated the local refineries for
continuing to meet high standards. She also stated that, when comparing the local safety
rules to other cities, the City possesses the most stringent.
Mr. Robert Colemen, 1906 Oak Ridge, Industrial Maintenance Contractor, stated
that the job safety programs, environmental concerns, and quality of work at the refineries
in the City is the best and most thorough of any location in the United States.
Special Co. -il Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 7
Ms. Jean Lavota, 929 Idlewilde, stated that she resides near the refineries and
understands the importance of the refineries to the economy of the community. She also
stressed the importance of providing a clean environment the people residing near the
refineries as well.
Mr. Len Lee, PSM Trainer at Coastal Refinery, Rockport, Texas, discussed the
large amount of safety training and practices at the local refineries.
Mr. Gerald Bracco, 4710 Oso Parkway, Bracco Construction Company, suggested
an amicable resolution of the issue between the local refineries and the community.
Mr. Olan Collins, 3213 Harpers Ferry Street, Manager of Regional Construction
Company, stressed the importance of the local refineries to the community.
Reverence Roy Melveaux, 1801 Van Loan, discussed problems he had with the
recent tests performed and expressed concern that the citizens supporting the local
refineries would risk the life of a child to make a dollar.
Mr. James M. Curran, 425 Wilma, discussed the excellent safety programs and
practices at the local refineries. He also stated that he understands the concerns of the
citizens and commented favorably on a resolution benefitting all parties.
Mr. Stephen Hodges, 513 Del Mar, discussed the high level of focus and
commitment by the local refineries to safe operations and the environment. He
suggested that the citizens and refineries work together for proper long term results in lieu
of litigation.
Mr. Clinton Schulz, 4217 Peach Creek, discussed his family's exposure to gas
pipelines near his residence and his employment in the channel industries. He then
stated that he was confident of the overall level of safety of the local industry.
Mr. Roy Weaver, 642 Cantwell, stated that he did not have a problem with the
refineries.
Mr. Adolph Lechtenberger, Plant Manager of CITGO, stressed the importance of
CITGO to the community and the importance of safety at CITGO.
Mr. Ralph Horton, Process Safety Department Manager at Coastal Refinery, 419
San Saba, Betland, Texas, reviewed the extensive safety program at Coastal and stated
that, in his opinion, the plants were safe.
Mr. Jim Tansey, 3417 Tahiti, CITGO employee, referred to the excellent safety
record of CITGO and discussed the importance of CITGO to the employees as well as
the community.
Special Co.. it Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 8
Mr. Lloyd Stone, Environmental Supervisor at Coastal Refining, 6350 Meadow
Vista, stated that complying with the environmental regulations was becoming more
difficult and that Coastal understood the importance of the environment.
Ms. Joan McKaughan, P.O. Box 9176, CITGO Refinery, discussed her past and
ongoing employment at CITGO and stated that the CITGO employees were committed
to the community, environment, and safety. She referred to her unborn child and stated
that she placed trust in her fellow employees and employer.
Mr. Steven M. Fischer, 2410 Scotch Moss Drive, discussed the current activities
at the refineries to ensure safe operations.
Ms. Carol Austin, P.O. Box 271417, employee of CITGO, stated that she was
proud to be a CITGO employee and that safety is the number one priority at the plant.
Mr. David H. Dear, 15302 Key Largo, stated that he resides near the local
refineries and that his children were not affected by pollution from the refineries. He also
stated that his employment allowed his children to excel at college and life in general.
Mr. Val DeLeon, 7118 Crested Butte, Safety Supervisor for Coastal Refining,
discussed Coastal's outstanding safety record.
Mr. Bill Peeples, 413 N. Tancahua, resides near the refineries and commented on
his good health. He also commented unfavorably on the legal system trying to make
money on lawsuits against the refineries.
Mr. Carlos E. Martinez, 4110 Bray, employee at Coastal Refining, commented on
the safety programs and practices at Coastal.
Mr. Danny Kucera, 356 Merrill, Electrical Shop Foreman at Valero Refining, stated
that he was not worried about the proposed health hazards in the local refinery area and
stated that the risks at the refineries were no greater than traveling in automobiles or
airplanes.
Mr. George Moser, 26 Colony, Robstown, Texas 78380, commented on the high
standards of safety at the refineries and suggested an amicable solution.
Mr. Bal K. Sareen, Flato Road, discussed his employer's dependency on the local
petrochemical industry in the City and the high safety standards of CITGO and Coastal.
Mr. Pablo Garza, Jr., 3509 Pecan, Safety Specialist at Southwestern Refining,
reviewed the safety programs and practices at Southwestern Refining.
Mr. Bill Norris, Safety Supervisor for Javelina Company and Fire Chief for the
Annaville Fire Department, commented highly on the safety practices at Javelina.
Special Co..cil Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 9
Mr. Jerry Singletary, employee of Javelina Company, 5115 UpRiver Road Lot 50,
stated that the oil and chemical industrial area was a safe place to work and live and that
the elected officials, residents, and industry must work together for the common good of
the community.
Mr. Marty Berry, 601 Louisiana, stated that the local refineries were safe.
Mr. Ronnie Gerone, 14725 Prairie Creek Drive, contract engineer employed by
Southwestern Refining, discussed safety projects at Southwestern Refining. He
requested an amicable solution.
Mr. Ernest Carter, 1711 Stillman, stated that the citizens residing near the
refineries were not trying to close the refineries and commented unfavorably on a buffer
zone. He referred to the increasing number of explosions at the plants and stated that
the citizens were only interested in relocation.
Mr. Harold Moore, 502 Belleview Drive, President of the local National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People, discussed his involvement in the development
of the day's meeting and his discussions with Mr. Speakerman concerning relocation of
several of the monitors. He suggested that all parties work together for the good of the
community.
Mr. Norman Renfro, 601 Sorrell, Manager of Environmental and Safety Affairs for
Valero Refining, stated that Valero operated under the permits issued by the
Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation
Commission. He briefly discussed some of the permits and machinery voluntarily
installed by Valero to promote a safe environment. He invited all interested parties to visit
the plant.
Ms. Gwynell Westervelt, 8149 Barrogate, stated that she resides near Koch
Refining and also works there. She pointed out that she has a normal healthy baby.
Mr. Ed Loosemore, 1229 Stratton, Safety Superintendent for Valero Refining,
stated that Valero strives to obtain the highest safety standards for employees as well as
its neighbors.
Mr. Mike Gollihar, 1402 Tancahua, stated that the future of the community was
dependent on the future of the refineries and commented favorably on an amiable
resolution.
Ms. Clodine M. Salinas, 246 Leming No. 5, employee of Southwestern Refining,
stressed the importance of the refineries to the community.
Mr. John S. Arnold, Sr., employee of CITGO, 3565 N. Naylor Circle, expressed
appreciation to the Council for the opportunity to speak. He commented highly on the
safety procedures and practices at CITGO.
Special Co. .:il Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 10
Mr. Jose Moncada, 4421 Driftwood, stated that the air was not polluted by the
refineries. He also referred to the extensive care the refineries followed for the safety of
the community.
Mr. Raymond Frank, 4221 Riverhill Drive, suggested that the citizens and the
refineries work together as a team.
Mr. Chris Willman, 6633 Bent Trail, reviewed the findings of the TDH and TNRCC
revealed at the day's meeting and expressed concern that the current tests being
performed were long overdue.
Mr. Donald Lewis, employee of Valero Refining and representative of Texas
Society of Professional Engineers, 7714 Moritz Lake Drive, commented highly on the
outstanding engineering services at Valero.
Mr. Ray Garcia, Rt. 1, Box 67-D, Robstown, Texas, President of the Union at
Southwestern Refining, discussed the safety procedures of the company.
Ms. Teddy Murchie, 1102 Vernon Drive, stated that she was not against the
refineries and inquired about the lead found in the Dona Park area. She also requested
the drilling of a well at the tank farm owned by Coastal Refining to test the drinking water.
She further stated that many residents living in the Dona Park area possessed health
problems believed attributable to the environment.
In response, Mayor Rhodes stated that Mr. Hall indicated that more testing would
be performed on the lead content.
Ms. Jeannine Foster, 1118 Vernon, referred to the recent accident at Coastal
Refining and expressed concern about the present system to warn local residents of an
accident. She suggested that the refineries possessing inadequate warning systems
contact Javelina Refining so that Javelina could warn the citizens properly when there
was an accident. Further, she suggested requiring all refineries to posses adequate
warning systems and also expressed concern about the lead found in the Dona Park
area. Lastly, she expressed concern that the people from the refineries were dominating
the meeting which was initially scheduled for the concerned citizens residing in the
industrial complex area.
In response, Mayor Rhodes stated that the meeting was open to all citizens.
Mr. Vann Stanford, 1404 Moore Avenue 1506, Portland, Texas, discussed his
involvement with the refineries and commented unfavorably on a buffer zone.
Mr. Jack Bell, 3605 San Blas, stressed the importance of the refineries to the
community.
Special Co, zil Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 11
Mr. Bob Collier, 1150 Southern Minerals Road, commented favorably on the local
refineries.
Ms. Gilna Nance, 3154 Reid Drive, Executive Director of Volunteer Center,
commented on Valero's contributions to the volunteer centers in the community.
Mr. Guy Nickleson, 7949 Grizzley, member of the Local Emergency Planning
Committee, commented on working together for the good of the community.
Mr. Sidney Beauford, P.O. Box 146, Odem, Texas 78370, Environmental
Laboratory Technician, stated that Southwestern Refining and Kerr-McGee were
committed to being good environmental neighbors. He suggested better communications
between the refineries and the citizens.
Dr. Burk Strong, 340 Cape May, commented unfavorably on lawsuit abuse and
stated that the refineries were good neighbors.
Mr. Peter Staneland, Maintenance Supervisor at Southwestern Refining, stated that
the employees at the refineries were subject to random drug testing on an annual basis.
Mrs. Jo Staneland commented unfavorably on the number of lawsuits concerning
the refineries.
Mr. George Collins, 4937 Andover, expressed appreciation for the meeting and
presentations and stated that he feels safe living in the City and working in the refineries.
Mr. John Davidson, P.O. Box 4639, stressed the importance of the refineries to the
community.
Ms. Yvonee Holmes, employee at CITGO, commented highly on the safety of the
refineries.
Mr. Ray French, Rt. 1, Box 65, Taft, Texas, employee of Southwestern Refining,
commented highly on the safety training at Southwestern.
Mr. James H. Scott, representative of Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse,
discussed the committee's objectives and suggested good faith negotiations in lieu of
lawsuits.
Mr. Herbert Power, 4585 River Park Drive, commented on the safety at the
refineries and stated that the refineries greatly enhanced the community.
Mr. Bill Hough, 341 Westchester Drive, representative of several companies
serving the local refineries, stressed the importance of the refineries to the community.
Special a icil Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 12
Mr. Mike Quintanilla Jr., 1501 Seville, employee of H. G. Zachry at CITGO,
commented on the generous contributions made to the community by employees of the
refineries.
Mr. Mike Carrell, 4966 Cherry Hills Drive, Chairman of the Corpus Christi Bay Area
Economic Development Corporation, stressed the importance of the refineries to the
community.
Ms. Johnnie M. Norman, 400 Mann Street, Suite 709, Amtex Security, commented
highly on the continued safety orientation and training of Coastal Refining.
Mr. Robert Martinez, P.O. Box 191, Edroy, Texas 78352, employee of H & S
Construction at CITGO Refining, stated that safety was considered of utmost importance
at CITGO.
Mr. Walter Bryan, 1717 Lexington Avenue, stressed the importance of proper
communication with the residents.
Mr. John Warner, 5825 Cain Drive, expressed appreciation for the information
presented at the day's meeting and discussed the extensive training at the refinery. He
stated that he looks forward to working together for a resolution.
Ms. Debbi Seeger, 14918 Tesoro, stressed the importance of the refineries to the
community.
Mr. Bryon Wooldridge, 6705 Deerwood, Maintenance Superintendent at Javelina,
requested the concerned citizens to contact the refineries for information instead of
contacting a lawyer.
Ms. Tina Gatewood, employee of Valero Refining, discussed the safety precautions
at Valero.
Mr. Ken Luhan, 15258 Main Royal, President of Bay Incorporated, commented
highly on the facts presented at the day's meeting and the efforts by the industries to
provide a safe environment.
Mr. Sam Beecroft, 615 S. Broadway, member of the Corpus Christi Chamber of
Commerce, commented unfavorably on the lawsuits against the refineries and favorably
on amicable negotiations.
Mr. Robert S. Shake, 2814 Parkgreen Drive, Business Manager of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union No. 278, stressed the importance of the
refineries to the community.
Mr. Mark R. Elps, 126 Ruth, Valero Refining, commented favorably on the local
refineries and amiable negotiations.
Special C. .icil Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 13
Ms. Lydia Lopez, 3221 Ebony, expressed concern about the unexpected
explosions at the refineries endangering the lives of the residents in close proximity.
Mr. Glen Elps, 13132 Oglethorp, employee of CITGO, stated that he grew up in
the Oak Park area without experiencing any detrimental effects.
Mr. Henry Jo, employee of Valero Refining, stated that safety and environmental
concerns as well as compliance with all laws and regulations was of great consideration
in all projects at Valero.
Mr. John Van Meter, 719 Lantana, stated that he was comfortable living and
working in the industrial area of the City.
Ms. Yolanda Santos, 5810 Mason, expressed concern that the City of Corpus
Christi had issued permits for homes to be built in close proximity to the Valero Refining
Company.
Mr. Billy Beard stressed the importance of the refineries to the community.
Ms. Rosa Flores, 5837 Llano, expressed concern about the devaluation of her
home and property since it was located near the refineries and the pipelines installed
after she purchased the property.
Mr. Manuel Flores, 5837 Llano, referred to a young child and an adult who are
presently sick due to residing in the refinery area. He also commented on the creation
of a buffer zone and the large number of people it would involve.
Mr. Clovis A. Johnson, 5421 Eden Lane, expressed concern that the refineries
were located in and near residential areas.
Mr. Mark Goodman, 545 Poenisch, employee of CITGO, stated that CITGO was
committed to safety.
Mr. Gilbert Casares, 7418 Spitfire, Chairman of the American GI Forum through
the Hector P. Garcia Chapter, referred to a letter distributed to the Council from the
Forum concerning an appeal on behalf of the residents of the Coastal Bend affected by
hazardous release chemicals.
Mr. Dale Switalla, 2818 Hulbirt Street, expressed concern about the air pollution
near the refineries in association with the property devaluation.
Mayor Rhodes called for comments from the Council.
Mayor Rhodes and Council Member Longoria expressed appreciation to the
TNRCC and staff for their participation in the meeting. Further, Mrs. Longoria requested
that the Council be kept informed of future activities concerning the continued testing.
Special C. ,icil Meeting
March 15, 1994
Page 14
Mrs. Longoria also reiterated that her district was most affected and that she would
continue to work for some type of buyout and the creation of a buffer zone. She also
requested the cooperation of Amerada Hess and expressed concerns about the Dona
Park, Oak Park, and Hillcrest areas.
Mayor Rhodes referred to a committee investigating the issues which would
promote working together for a resolution.
Council Member Martin discussed community planning efforts leading to a long
term resolution.
Council Member Noyola suggested utilizing Community Development Block Grant
funds and a portion of the revenues from the Industrial District for the creation of a buffer
zone. He also suggested all parties working together for a resolution and commented
favorably on relocation of the residents near the refineries.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Rhodes
declared the Council Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. on March 15, 1994.